Locational Aspect of Fast Frequency Reserves in Low-Inertia Systems -- Control Performance Analysis

Abstract: This paper evaluates the frequency performance of an AC system when primary frequency response is provided by inverter-based resources located at remote-areas. Due to potentially larger wave propagation constants over longer lines, fast active power response from inverter based resources may have a negative impact on the system frequency response. Within this context, this paper presents a control performance analysis is presented in order to identify limitations for improving the frequency stability when inverter-based resources in remote locations use local frequency measurements. Our results suggest that there exists a trafeoff between disturbance rejection and stability robustness when allocating primary frequency control. In particular, fast frequency control can have a negative impact on the damping ratio of poorly damped electromechanical modes.